Marking 68 years since the Second World War Daily Herald Last week, the world marked 68 years

since the Second World War ended. Despite Remembrance Day's "Lest We Forget" motif, the number of people attending Saturday's Victory in Europe Day ceremony, outside of cadets and colour party members, could be counted on one's fingers. "I'm disappointed in the turnout," local ladies auxiliary president Gerry Laird said following the ceremony at Prince Albert memorial square outside of city hall. "It's a wonderful remembrance of the veterans who died." One of these soldiers was her brother, Roy Coombe, who died during battle and is buried in the Italian city of Ortona - dubbed "Little Stalingrad" by Winston Churchill due to the difficult battle Canadians waged there. "It's a beautiful cemetery," she said. "When you go and see the many cemeteries, it makes you really mindful of what that war was. We have to keep it in mind." Fortunate enough to have survived the war is Gerry's husband of 65 years, Ed Laird, who noted that many of his Canadian comrades weren't so lucky. Veterans Affairs of Canada notes that more than 93,000 Canadians joined their allies in fighting the axis in Italy. This campaign counted 26,000 casualties, of which 6,000 were fatal, Veterans Affairs of Canada notes. "That's one out of every three of us!" Ed exclaimed. By the time Victory in Europa finally came around in May of 1945, Ed, who was in Holland at the time, joined others in celebrating to their heart's content. "Nowadays you join up for three-month tour or something," he said, noting that this was far from the case back in the '40s. "You signed up for the duration - wherever and however they wanted you and as long as they needed you, and that was the worst part. I was there for four years, but I had no idea - it could have gone on for six years!" Those around him in Holland had their own reason to celebrate, having been under forced German rule. No more than three people were allowed to gather at any given time and various forms of entertainment, such as movies, were disallowed. "All of a sudden it's open!" Ed said. Those in Holland remember Canadian's contribution to their freedom, Ed said.

"The last trip there I got a haircut in Amsterdam," he said. "I went to pay him and he said, 'There's no charge for Canadians.'" Although Saturday's event centred on Victory in Europe Day, another noteworthy participant was local veteran of the Korean War Armand Bourassa, who laid a wreath. This year marks 60 since the Korean armistice was signed. During his opening prayer, Bishop Arthurson reflected on veterans' long-lasting impact on not only Europe, but Canada as well, noting; "You and I have the freedom to be here this morning." Local ladies auxiliary president Gerry Laird lays a wreath for Canadian soldiers lost during the Second World War, during Saturday's Victory in Europe Day ceremony at memorial square. Herald photo by Tyler Clarke Second World War veteran Ed Laird and his wife Gerry Laird, who serves as president of the local ladies' auxiliary, are seen at memorial square following Saturday's Victory in Europe Day ceremony. Herald photo by Tyler Clarke ~~~~~~~~ By Tyler Clarke, tclarke@paherald.sk.ca Clarke, Tyler. "Marking 68 years since the Second World War." Rural Roots 23 May 2013: 21. Canadian Reference Centre. Web. 25 Oct. 2013.